Honesty in Writing

I've heard it said that all fiction writers are basically liars, because we write what is blatantly untrue. Fiction is, by definition, something invented by the imagination. (www.m-w.com) Still, I take issue with the idea that writing fiction makes one a liar. Lying is the act of trying to deceive, while fiction is trying to reveal the truth through the art of creating a story. The former seeks to conceal while the latter seeks to reveal. Therefore a work of fiction can be profoundly honest. (Look at Atlas Shrugged for example.)

But I digress.

Within the world of non-fiction exists the opportunity to be profoundly dishonest and still maintain the guise of honesty. Sometimes this is done through honest ignorance, and sometimes this is done through purposeful stupidity.

Take for example Rachel Carson. Decades ago, she wrote a book called "Silent Spring" which masqueraded as a means to uncover the dishonesty of a world bent on destroying its environment. It has since been disproven but it still sways the minds of many people. This is the worst kind of dishonest writing, because she knew what she was doing was false, but she knew what she was doing would accomplish her dual goals of selling a boatload of books and pushing her agenda. Because of this book, DDT has been banned nearly worldwide (and for no good reason, I might add).

On the other hand, look at the early works of Michael Crichton. In his work, he seems to be saying that technology and/or mankind is bad. Based on the culture, it was an honest mistake, which he has since rectified with his book State of Fear.

Always when we're writing, we need to maintain the utmost level of honesty. Our books and essays and shorts have the potential to influence thousands, if not millions, of people. It is not an endeavor any of us should take lightly. So, each of us should take the time to explore our own work and look for the honesty within. And if we should find it lacking, we need to decide whether the ideas we are presenting are the kinds of ideas we want affecting the minds of our readers.

In all honesty, it is our duty--if not to others, than to ourselves.